Breaking Down Energy Codes

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As much of the country is experiencing record high temperatures during the 2016 dog days of summer, building professionals are reminded of the need for air and vapor barriers.

Properly installed, air and vapor barriers stop outside air from entering the building through the walls, windows and roof, and inside air from ex-filtrating through the building envelope to the outside. The result is an HVAC energy savings from 15-40 percent, based on a 2005 study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Saving energy is the driving force for evolving energy codes requiring continuous air barriers that cover the entire building envelope. Codes, however, are literally all over the map when it comes to enforcement. Go here for a simple explanation of which codes are required in your area.